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Paradise #6
Shattered Palms by Toby Neal
Maui is lush mountains, cloud forest and exquisite birdsong—but for Detective Lei Texeira, arrows break that peace. Someone is stalking poachers that are capturing Maui’s rarest birds, and Lei pursues the case with her usual leap-first, look-later style—but will she be able to catch a killer, save the birds, and still make it to her own wedding? Shattered Palms is a roller coaster ride from the top of Haleakala to the beach and back again, with extinction at stake. “Toby Neal creates a captivating balance of the beauty of the islands contrasted with the ugliness of murder, and complicated by the trials of Lei’s personal life. A must-read for Neal fans.” Thomas K. Matthews, author of Rejection.
Mass Market Paperback
First published March 10, 2014
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About the author
Toby Neal
81 books987 followersToby Neal was raised on Kauai in Hawaii. She wrote and illustrated her first story at age 5. After initially majoring in journalism, she eventually settled on mental health as a career and loves her work, saying, “I’m endlessly fascinated with people’s stories.”
Toby credits her counseling background in adding depth to her characters–from the villains to Lei Texeira, the courageous and vulnerable heroine in the Lei Crime Series, to the wounds and psychological implications of the heroes of the Scorch Series.
Get TWO FREE full length Toby Neal books by signing up for her newsletter here! http://www.subscribepage.com/TobyNeal...
Toby credits her counseling background in adding depth to her characters–from the villains to Lei Texeira, the courageous and vulnerable heroine in the Lei Crime Series, to the wounds and psychological implications of the heroes of the Scorch Series.
Get TWO FREE full length Toby Neal books by signing up for her newsletter here! http://www.subscribepage.com/TobyNeal...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
August 27, 2014
Lei is at it again. That woman has no fear and her courage is outstanding. Stevens is the most wonderful guy for her, a perfect fit. As part of a series it's not required to read in order but it makes more sense and the side stories come into play. I enjoy the police procedure aspects as a deputy wife but the descriptions of Hawaii are my favorite parts.
July 15, 2014
This is such a wonderful series! Each book is as good or better than the first, which is a rare find these days. I'm anxiously awaiting the chance to start on #7! I went from laughter, to shock, even got a little weepy at times, and couldn't put it down because I just had to know what Lei was going to do next!
February 11, 2015
Another can't put it down book by Toby Neal! The book captured my interest with the main plot but the descriptive language about the indigenous birds and plant life was just as captivating! Beautiful painting with words.
Lei is never dull!!
Lei is never dull!!
March 13, 2014
The Lei Crime Series continues with Shattered Palms! Toby Neal's characters have become my "friends" and I am always anxious to read the next addition to the series. Shattered Palms is no exception! Without including any spoilers, I was anxious to complete this novel to learn more about Lei and her relationship with Stevens! You won't be able to put Shattered Palms down until you discover if she makes it to the wedding!
Besides her wonderful character development, Toby Neal does a beautiful job bringing the island of Maui to life through her descriptions of the natural environment. The reader is able to "see" the lush greenery, "hear" the sounds of the birds, and "feel" the sun and surf of the Hawaiian beaches. All of this while learning about Maui's rarest birds on Haleakala.
If you've been to Maui, Toby Neal's novel will bring back memories you forgot you had. If you've never been to Maui, you'll be touched by the beauty of the island as expressed by Neal.
Now, I can't wait for the next novel in this series! Keep them coming Toby!
Besides her wonderful character development, Toby Neal does a beautiful job bringing the island of Maui to life through her descriptions of the natural environment. The reader is able to "see" the lush greenery, "hear" the sounds of the birds, and "feel" the sun and surf of the Hawaiian beaches. All of this while learning about Maui's rarest birds on Haleakala.
If you've been to Maui, Toby Neal's novel will bring back memories you forgot you had. If you've never been to Maui, you'll be touched by the beauty of the island as expressed by Neal.
Now, I can't wait for the next novel in this series! Keep them coming Toby!
March 18, 2014
Saying I hate mysteries might be a little strong, but I'm definitely not someone who seeks out these titles or films. It's just not my genre. But I read all of Neal's titles for the sheer fact that they read more like travel guides with a who-dunnit thrown in than your average, formulaic mystery thriller.
In this recent installment, Neal includes not only the envy-sparking depictions of some of the more beautiful and breathtaking aspects of wild Hawaii (in painstaking detail that only someone who has experienced it firsthand can pull off), but also incorporates a social theme of hunting and poaching on protected land.
I especially like her main character in this series, a no-nonsense woman who doesn't feel the threat to her feminism that causes her to behave in an "in your face" way that so many writers resort to. She's just a female, that's all there is to it. She's fully capable at her job and well-regarded, and I appreciate that. Books in which the woman constantly has to prove herself really are a disservice to women.
In this recent installment, Neal includes not only the envy-sparking depictions of some of the more beautiful and breathtaking aspects of wild Hawaii (in painstaking detail that only someone who has experienced it firsthand can pull off), but also incorporates a social theme of hunting and poaching on protected land.
I especially like her main character in this series, a no-nonsense woman who doesn't feel the threat to her feminism that causes her to behave in an "in your face" way that so many writers resort to. She's just a female, that's all there is to it. She's fully capable at her job and well-regarded, and I appreciate that. Books in which the woman constantly has to prove herself really are a disservice to women.
May 27, 2014
This book is almost as good as prior entries in the series, but falls short by only a fraction.
Lei continues to grow away from her abusive childhood and its effects on her ability to trust and open herself to others. Neal has kept this growth evolutionary instead of revolutionary, letting Lei get a little better at coping with her past in each novel. Here, it’s more of a sidelight to her persona than a major factor.
With Lei getting ready to marry lover Michael Stevens, I read this whole book expecting something horrible to happen.
Again, this book was more about Lei than the crime – the bow-and-arrow shootings of two poachers stealing rare birds from a highly protected area on Maui – she’s investigating. While the crime is solved, the solution here was weaker than in prior books. And there is a threat to Lei and Michael that Neal left hanging, hopefully to resolve it in the next book.
Neal tells us in the acknowledgments that there will be more books in the series. And that is good news.
Lei continues to grow away from her abusive childhood and its effects on her ability to trust and open herself to others. Neal has kept this growth evolutionary instead of revolutionary, letting Lei get a little better at coping with her past in each novel. Here, it’s more of a sidelight to her persona than a major factor.
With Lei getting ready to marry lover Michael Stevens, I read this whole book expecting something horrible to happen.
Again, this book was more about Lei than the crime – the bow-and-arrow shootings of two poachers stealing rare birds from a highly protected area on Maui – she’s investigating. While the crime is solved, the solution here was weaker than in prior books. And there is a threat to Lei and Michael that Neal left hanging, hopefully to resolve it in the next book.
Neal tells us in the acknowledgments that there will be more books in the series. And that is good news.
March 25, 2014
Fantastic!
Ahhh, it was so nice having Lei and Stevens back in my life! Toby, thank you so much for not ending the series, and I'm especially excited about the next coming this summer. Just read the teaser first chapter and really love the Stevens' perspective. My only complaint if you can call it that would be I wanted more Stevens! but then, I'm a girl and I like boys better! LOL
Oh, sorry, supposed to be reviewing the book! To all of you potential Toby Neal and Lei crime series fans, this book is fantastic. You really should read the whole series in order, though. Just like James Patterson or J.D. Robb, the characters and relationships develop over time. That's all I'll give you. If you like JP and Robb, you'll fall in love with Neal! p.s. Neal supplements her stories with real life culture from Hawaii, which I also really appreciate having never been myself.
God speed, Toby, and many blessings to you and yours! :-)
Ahhh, it was so nice having Lei and Stevens back in my life! Toby, thank you so much for not ending the series, and I'm especially excited about the next coming this summer. Just read the teaser first chapter and really love the Stevens' perspective. My only complaint if you can call it that would be I wanted more Stevens! but then, I'm a girl and I like boys better! LOL
Oh, sorry, supposed to be reviewing the book! To all of you potential Toby Neal and Lei crime series fans, this book is fantastic. You really should read the whole series in order, though. Just like James Patterson or J.D. Robb, the characters and relationships develop over time. That's all I'll give you. If you like JP and Robb, you'll fall in love with Neal! p.s. Neal supplements her stories with real life culture from Hawaii, which I also really appreciate having never been myself.
God speed, Toby, and many blessings to you and yours! :-)
April 17, 2014
Getting to spend more time with Lei was the reason I started reading this latest novel by Toby Neal. Once I started reading I was hooked especially with the Nature twist. i love spending time in Hawaiian forests so there was no way i could put this down till it was finished. Looking forward to the next one.
February 10, 2015
I really liked this one for 2 main reasons: Lei and Stevens finally settle their relationship and the endangered birds and their habitat. I did find it a bit hard to keep all the culprits straight, though. I'm hoping to meet the infamous mother of Stevens in a future book and see if Lei will be challenged with her new training her boss has ordered her to get.
July 3, 2015
The Lei Crime Series - the books just keep getting better. Lt. Lei Texeira's life is full of drama; between her job with the police department, her natural impulsiveness, and the off and on relationship with the love of her life, Lt. Michael Stevens, the drama just never stops. Will she finally make it to the altar with Michael???? You'll find out in this book, don't miss it.
April 2, 2014
Another awesome book.
I have been sucked into this series from beginning till now. finished this book in a day and now I can't wait for the next to come out.. keep writing Toby Neal.
I have been sucked into this series from beginning till now. finished this book in a day and now I can't wait for the next to come out.. keep writing Toby Neal.
May 9, 2014
I'm so glad Toby Neal went back to the original premise for book six. Lei was her usual, impulsive self. This tale is more story driven with fewer interludes that don't detract from the plot or overall storyline. I'm definitely looking forward to book seven.
February 4, 2015
Shattered Palms.
Shattered palms. We often forget to see the world around us but when chasing the bad guys its not really the time, causing distraction. Lei is Farmingdale but learning.
Shattered palms. We often forget to see the world around us but when chasing the bad guys its not really the time, causing distraction. Lei is Farmingdale but learning.
May 13, 2015
The perfect mystery to read while I'm in Kauai (even though this one takes place in Maui). I'm really enjoying this mystery series. Intriguing mystery and fun to find out more about one of my favorite places! On to number 7.
August 27, 2015
Another great story! Full of murder and romance. Lei and Stevens finally get married. Love the Hawaiian scenery. It it is a quick read and holds your attention all the way to the end. I am really enjoying this series.
September 26, 2015
Good read for women
Over all this story did have enough murder, mystery, and action for my taste, but Keiki was in the shadows and all the girlie wedding prep stuff put me off.
Still a good read though..
Over all this story did have enough murder, mystery, and action for my taste, but Keiki was in the shadows and all the girlie wedding prep stuff put me off.
Still a good read though..
October 4, 2015
Changes
In this volume Lei goes through a lot changes both personal and professionally. As always the author is able
to write about the island of Maui that brings mental images of the island.
In this volume Lei goes through a lot changes both personal and professionally. As always the author is able
to write about the island of Maui that brings mental images of the island.
March 24, 2014
Another awesome read by Toby Neal. Murder, mystery, and romance on the beautiful island of Maui. Lush descriptive scenery and great story line. Can't wait for the next book.
October 2, 2014
The characters in the Lei series grow with each book. Really enjoying them all.
February 28, 2015
Absolutely loved it! No spoiler - just do yourself a favor and read it!!
January 19, 2015
palms
Good story. This book had me feeling every emotion while I was reading this "chapter" in the heroines life. Sadness, happiness, fear, anger. Ready to start the next book!
Good story. This book had me feeling every emotion while I was reading this "chapter" in the heroines life. Sadness, happiness, fear, anger. Ready to start the next book!
May 11, 2017
Smooth, quick read. This series reminds me a bit of Sue Grafton's Alphabet series. Just like Kinsey Millhone, Lei is a protagonist that is like a good friend who sometimes gets on your nerves.:)
September 9, 2014
Lei finally makes to to the altar; however not without complications.
February 14, 2021
This is our fourth reading in Neal’s currently 13-book series about now Maui (Hawaii) PD detective (ex-FBI) Lei Texeira. We find these tales fairly entertaining, and especially like the original settings and often unusual crimes. Indeed, in “Palms”, our heroine is involved in several killings that occur in what is essentially a protected bird sanctuary, with bow and error the weapon of choice. That our workaholic protagonist outrageously postpones her own wedding for a day to work the case shows her dedication to the task – and fortunately her husband-to-be apparently puts up with it.
While the ending was a little too convenient and maybe the whole plot a little bit far-fetched, we like the freshness of these stories well enough to pursue and peruse a few more. It might prove interesting to see if the marriage works…
While the ending was a little too convenient and maybe the whole plot a little bit far-fetched, we like the freshness of these stories well enough to pursue and peruse a few more. It might prove interesting to see if the marriage works…
February 13, 2025
Kindle Unlimited, Paradise Crime Mysteries Box Set =: Books 1-9
Shattered Palms is #6 in the Paradise Crime Mysteries, by Toby Neal. Lei is back on Maui, back with Steven, back with the Kahului Police Department at the behest of Captain Omura. And smack dab in the middle of a case of murder involving foreign persons poaching native Hawaiian birds from the beautiful cloud forests in the Hawaiian Bird Conservatory managed sanctuary atop Haleakala volcano. Toby Neal takes us there, her descriptive passages bring to life that enchanted place. And this is a darned good tale, too, told very well. Lots of suspense, mysteries, and a full range of folks to keep us looking for the answers right along with Lei and her partner Pono. I can't get enough of this series.
REVIEWED on January 22, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo.
Shattered Palms is #6 in the Paradise Crime Mysteries, by Toby Neal. Lei is back on Maui, back with Steven, back with the Kahului Police Department at the behest of Captain Omura. And smack dab in the middle of a case of murder involving foreign persons poaching native Hawaiian birds from the beautiful cloud forests in the Hawaiian Bird Conservatory managed sanctuary atop Haleakala volcano. Toby Neal takes us there, her descriptive passages bring to life that enchanted place. And this is a darned good tale, too, told very well. Lots of suspense, mysteries, and a full range of folks to keep us looking for the answers right along with Lei and her partner Pono. I can't get enough of this series.
REVIEWED on January 22, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo.
September 22, 2015
The Lei Crime Series, No. 6, "Shattered Palms" finally brings our heroine Lei Texeira and her main man Stevens to the alter, but not without great turmoil and drama that includes postponing the wedding (but only for a day) to enable her to bring to justice the latest perp. As always with Toby Neal's books that take place in Hawaii, we are being treated to descriptions of the island's lush vegetation, the fragrance of the indigenous flora and fauna, and an extra treat this time: detailed descriptions of the endangered, exotic birds resident in the cloud forest of Haleakala. The cloud forest is located at the top of the winding, narrow two-lane road on the dormant volcano of Maui. Lei is struggling with her old demons and pushing Stevens away even as they work together to solve the murders of one or more poachers. Lei goes after the poachers when she sees and realizes the fragile beauty of the birds and the murderers even as the wedding guests begin to arrive on the island. All the wedding arrangements have been made through the wife of a friend and her gown by an FBI buddy, but the cloud forest is a tangled and treacherous environment for men who don't want to found. Easy, fun, and fast read. Only thing I objected to was the climax--what??! It can't end that way! I'm ready for her next book!
February 8, 2016
With most series, I get a bit tired of the characters after several books and decide I need a break. That is not happening with this one. In fact, this was probably my favorite book yet. Toby Neal is a masterful storyteller. Not only is she developing these characters throughout the series so the reader can see them grow and evolve; but she writes such powerful descriptions of people, places and things that I feel I am right inside the story. The two main characters, Lei Texeiera and Michael Stevens are complex and at times lovable and other times, so irritating! There are also secondary characters that keep coming back into the storyline so it feels like a lot of old friends. Also interesting to me are the crimes...they are not all standard murder and mayhem. This book involved murders but went into great detail about the endangered, exotic birds that live at the top of Haleakala. All the vivid imagery has left me yearning for a visit to any one of the Hawaiian Islands! At this point, I'm ready to hop right into Book 7 and see what's in store for Lei and Stevens.
September 2, 2015
This is the second lei story i have read started with the first in the series. As this is book six i have obviously missed some back stories but the author does a good job of not making the reader feel as if they have missed out on sonething. My only drawback is i think too many plots going on at once would have liked to had more resolved by end of book but love how story ended to create next story.
September 8, 2015
Good story
This was a good mystery. I think it's time for Lei to be a bit more professional and stable though. She is either super needy or super woman... it just wears me out at times.
This was a good mystery. I think it's time for Lei to be a bit more professional and stable though. She is either super needy or super woman... it just wears me out at times.
October 7, 2019
Bird poaching – I really liked this storyline, you certainly can’t accuse the author of a lack of variety. Again, using the elements that make Hawaii unique, including the challenges of local bird conservation, and crafting the story around it. This kind of immersive use of the exotic environment is what really makes this series stand out.
With Lei’s wedding approaching, the author has actually included something I did feel had gone missing, Lei’s childhood abuse… which is a fundamental part of her character. It’s not necessary to harp on about it, but it was at least briefly mentioned. Given it’s the source of her issues regarding the wedding, having children etc, it did feel a little glossed over but I suppose this is the middle ground between going on and on about it, and ignoring it completely.
I am glad the FBI storyline is over, it was a very bad fit (little fish in a way too big pond), and while the author is glossing over the new responsibilities as lieutenant, which I feel should be more than a brief mention of extra paperwork and some vague training, it is a welcome return to the more down-to-Earth elements that make the series interesting.
I was amused by Lei’s decision on her wedding day - if I was in law enforcement, I have to say I would have done exactly the same thing in her shoes. A wedding is frivolous and expensive, so I can 100% relate to her attitude towards it and her obsessive need to finish the case. You don’t get married for your sake, it’s for everyone except you and double that in this case, Lei doesn’t care about getting married, she’s doing it for Stevens’ sake to give him piece of mind about her running again. I was impressed that the author knew her character this well – it’s surprisingly astute. I was equally impressed that the author was able to successfully transition Lei into a much more positive mindset for the wedding, given how frazzled, exhausted and aggravated Lei was when she arrived. I can’t remember the last time I empathised this strongly with a character.
Strongly recommend Audible's versions for this series - the narrator does great accents and is fantastically immersive.
The unusual setting of Hawaii and it’s unique elements in terms of environment, combined with the wide variety of types of crime are really serving the series well, keeping it fresh, while still growing the characters.
With Lei’s wedding approaching, the author has actually included something I did feel had gone missing, Lei’s childhood abuse… which is a fundamental part of her character. It’s not necessary to harp on about it, but it was at least briefly mentioned. Given it’s the source of her issues regarding the wedding, having children etc, it did feel a little glossed over but I suppose this is the middle ground between going on and on about it, and ignoring it completely.
I am glad the FBI storyline is over, it was a very bad fit (little fish in a way too big pond), and while the author is glossing over the new responsibilities as lieutenant, which I feel should be more than a brief mention of extra paperwork and some vague training, it is a welcome return to the more down-to-Earth elements that make the series interesting.
I was amused by Lei’s decision on her wedding day - if I was in law enforcement, I have to say I would have done exactly the same thing in her shoes. A wedding is frivolous and expensive, so I can 100% relate to her attitude towards it and her obsessive need to finish the case. You don’t get married for your sake, it’s for everyone except you and double that in this case, Lei doesn’t care about getting married, she’s doing it for Stevens’ sake to give him piece of mind about her running again. I was impressed that the author knew her character this well – it’s surprisingly astute. I was equally impressed that the author was able to successfully transition Lei into a much more positive mindset for the wedding, given how frazzled, exhausted and aggravated Lei was when she arrived. I can’t remember the last time I empathised this strongly with a character.
Strongly recommend Audible's versions for this series - the narrator does great accents and is fantastically immersive.
The unusual setting of Hawaii and it’s unique elements in terms of environment, combined with the wide variety of types of crime are really serving the series well, keeping it fresh, while still growing the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews